Recommended Registrations After Incorporation

(Simple guidance on what you may need and why)

These registrations are not always mandatory, but they are important for smooth business operations and future growth.

1. MSME Registration (Udyam) – Recommended

Why you should take it:

• Easy to get loans, sometimes at lower interest rates
• Faster payment protection under MSME Act
• Eligibility for various Government subsidies & schemes
• Adds credibility with banks & customers

2. Trade License (Municipal Authority) – Recommended

Why important:

• Required to legally operate a business in a locality
• Avoids penalties, business seizure or closure notices
• Mandatory in many cities based on business activity

3. Startup India Recognition – Recommended

After recognition, you become eligible for:

• Government Startup schemes
• Tax exemption (subject to eligibility)
• Funding support
• Mentorship, incubation, and tender benefits

4. Startup Odisha Recognition – Recommended (For Odisha Startups)

After recognition, you can apply for:

• Startup Odisha grants
• Reimbursements (patent, marketing, etc.)
• State-level incubation and funding programs

5. GST Registration – Recommended / Mandatory

Mandatory when:

• Turnover exceeds ₹40 lakh (Goods)
• Turnover exceeds ₹20 lakh (Services)
• Inter-state supply
• Selling via e-commerce platforms
• Business is an e-commerce operator
• Non-resident taxable persons
• Export of Goods and/ or services

Why recommended:

• Helps work with corporate clients
• You can claim Input Tax Credit (ITC)
• Makes you GST-ready from day one

6. Professional Tax Registration – Recommended / Mandatory (State-wise)

• Becomes mandatory in many states after GST registration
• Applicable for company as well as employees
• Avoids penalties for non-compliance

7. PF Registration (EPF) – Mandatory After Employee Threshold

Mandatory when:

• You employ 20 or more employees

Why recommended early:

• Helps avoid penalties when staff increases
• Many companies take voluntary PF for employee benefits

8. ESIC Registration – Mandatory After Employee Threshold

Mandatory when:

• Any employee earns up to ₹21,000/month and
• Your organisation has 10 or more employees (varies by state)

Why recommended early:

• Ensures medical & insurance benefits for employees
• Avoids penalties during inspections

9. Food License (FSSAI) – Mandatory for Food Businesses

Required if you are dealing with:

• Food products
• Restaurants, cafés
• Packaged food, cloud kitchens, bakery
  Non-compliance can lead to penalties or business closure.

10. Bar Code Registration – Recommended (For Selling Goods in Retail Stores)

Useful when selling products through:

• Supermarkets
• E-commerce platforms
• Retail chains
  Helps in product scanning, tracking, and branding.

11. Trademark Registration – Highly Recommended

Protects your:

• Brand name
• Logo
• Tagline
  Prevents misuse and builds long-term brand value.

12. ISO Certification – Optional but Recommended

Shows that your business follows quality standards.
Useful for:

• Tenders
• Corporate clients
• Export orders

13. Import Export Code (IEC) – Mandatory for International Trade

Required when you:

• Import goods/services
• Export goods/services
• Sell internationally via global e-commerce
  Issued by DGFT; needed even if GST is not applicable.

Important: Regular Returns After Registrations

After taking certain registrations, you must file regular returns:

GST Returns

• Monthly or quarterly depending on your scheme
• Mandatory if GST registration is taken

PF Returns

• Monthly PF returns
• Monthly PF contributions

ESI Returns

• Monthly ESI returns
• Monthly ESI contributions

Professional Tax Returns

• Monthly or annual returns depending on state rules

Failing to file returns leads to late fees, interest, or penalties, so timely compliance is important.